HOUSTON, Minn. — Law enforcement has issued a warrant for a man accused of sexually assaulting a minor, then absconding from a Rochester hospital.
On July 29, Houston County Court issued a warrant for 26-year-old Cordel Ryan Oesterle. Oesterle is charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct – penetration or conduct with a juvenile under age 16.
According to court documents, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office originally responded to a home on North Henderson Street because a person there was experiencing a mental health crisis.
When deputies arrived, they learned Oesterle was making threats of suicide, and he was transported to a Rochester hospital.
As one HSCO investigator spoke with Oesterle, another met with a juvenile who said Oesterle sexually assaulted her.
The juvenile told an adult, who confronted Oesterle.
According to court documents, Oesterle admitted the sexual assault to an adult, then began making threats of suicide, prompting the call to law enforcement.
Court documents allege he was later released from the hospital and “his whereabouts are unknown at this time.”
Those experiencing sexual exploitation can call a 24-hour crisis line at 507-289-0636 to speak to someone who can direct you towards help.
Anne Halliwell is the public safety reporter at the Post Bulletin.